State Senator Barrow Peacock Talks about Taxes in Louisiana

State lawmakers are gearing up for the fall elections. One thing they are looking to is the legislative session this spring. Governor John Bel Edwards is proposing a $1,000 annual pay raise for teachers. He is also pushing for a minimum wage for Louisiana.

State Senator Barrow Peacock tells KEEL News he believes in the free market. He says a minimum wage increase would likely cost jobs and could cause some businesses to close.

Peacock says the Governor might also revisit the gas tax increase. But he says Texas uses a sales tax to improve roads and he says the Lone Star State dedicates the money for roads. Those dollars can't be diverted to the general fund.

On the teacher pay issue, Peacock says local school boards should address the pay issue. He says the Bossier School Board has decided to ask voters to approve higher taxes for higher pay.